Page 149 of A Perfect Fit

A small part of me feared my family wouldn’t show up, even though they’d all been supportive in the final lead-up to the day. Mom even circulated my event page to her colleagues, and Ivy asked if I needed any assistance with final preparations.

“Jackson mailed these out to us,” Dad explains.

A tingly feeling permeates my limbs. I haven’t told my parents I’m no longer together with Jackson. “He did? When?”

That’s a sign he has to be coming, right?

“Around back in September,” Dad answers. “He didn’t tell you?”

My ribs grow tight, my heart feeling like it’s shrinking. September was before Jackson broke things off with me.

“No,” I say.

“We’d better take our seats,” Mom says. “It looks like more people are starting to arrive.” She gives me an encouraging nod. “I’m looking forward to the show, Isabelle.”

Ivy gives me a small smile. “This looks really exciting.” She’s looking more like her usual self again compared to the last time I saw her at the coffee shop.

I muster a smile. “Thanks, everyone.”

As my family finds their seats, I grab my clipboard and do a check of everything on my to-do list for the umpteenth time today.

Lighting. Check.

Models. Check.

Speakers and microphone. Check.

Food and drinks. Check.

“Surprise!”

I glance up from my checklist to see a grinning Jen and Aaron walking over, both wearing the same T-shirts my family is sporting.

“Hey.” A smile tugs on my lips. “Did Jackson get you those shirts as well?”

A grin plays on Aaron’s lips. “Sure did.” He glances around. “Is he here yet?”

I bite my lip. “No.”

The event details say to arrive by five fifty p.m., so the show can start at six p.m. sharp.

Aaron and Jen exchange a knowing glance, like they know something I don’t.

“Did he tell you whether he’s coming?” I ask Aaron.

“No, but don’t worry. There’s no way he’s gonna miss this,” Aaron says. “If he doesn’t show up, I’ll put a fake spider in his bed.”

“There’s still time before the show starts,” Jen adds, placing a hand on my shoulder. “I’m sure he’s just stuck in traffic or something.”

“Yeah,” I mutter, glancing down at the floor. “Maybe.”

Jen pulls me into a warm embrace, her vanilla perfume wrapping around me. “Hey, the show will be so amazing tonight, Belle. You’ve got this.”

“Love you,” I say, feeling less tense. “Thank you for all your help.”

No matter what, I can always count on her to be here for me, and our friendship isn’t something I’ll ever take for granted.

Jen and Aaron find their seats, and my final preparations for the show keep me busy, serving as a distraction from thoughts about Jackson. I run around to check the setup again and then do another check-in with my models to make sure they’re feeling ready and comfortable.